Walsall Football Club legend and all-time appearance record holder Jimmy Walker has launched his very own goalkeeping academy following his departure from Peterborough United a few months ago, and he hopes that he can pass on his years of experience to the next generation of 'stoppers'.
Speaking via JimmyWalkerGK.co.uk, Wacka, who will be running sessions in Walsall, said; "I have been so blessed to be able to call “work” the sport that I love and am desperately passionate about for well over 20 years, since leaving school. Now I’m just as passionate and committed to being the best coach that I can, passing on the knowledge I have gained over the years to any aspiring player to help them reach their full potential.
"Having played football in every division, starting in Division 3, the now Division 2, with Walsall and proudly working my way up to play in the Premiership at West Ham and Spurs. I have been very fortunate to have worked with some of the best players and managers in the world. I’ve managed to study at first hand and learn from everyone who I worked with along the way, each with their own different styles, ideas and approaches that got them to the very top of their profession.
"I am a massive believer in absolutely using only the correct techniques to practice, to the extent that I would prefer no practice rather than practicing with poor techniques. This is why I coach from the basics upwards to the finer points. Even the top players and managers will go “back to basics” if they are having a bad time. I can give you the correct techniques to progress your game up to the highest level it can go. Then it’s up to the individual how far they want to progress and work at their game from there.
"I had to work extremely hard at my career, I was constantly told from a young age and indeed throughout, that I was too small to be a goalkeeper. This drove me on even more to succeed and in doing so I studied every way possible to be the best that I could be. I have to say not all of it was right at the time, but now I’m in a great position to be able to pass down the correct knowledge to anyone I work with, to help them achieve their maximum potential. Whether this is becoming an international player or being the best that they can be and enjoying the game at their own level. I would be just as satisfied in helping someone do either of these...indeed, I will make this my mission.
"I believe that with the knowledge that I have gained over the years and my own philosophy’s on the game, I have the formula’s to guarantee massive improvements to any GK/Player and team I work with."
For more information, or to book your place visit JimmyWalkerGK.co.uk.